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'We have won the battle but it is more important to
win the war,' said Benitez, whose side have now closed the gap on
leaders United to four points, albeit having played one game more.

'We have to try to win every game between now and the end of the season. It will not be easy but we can do it.

'Scoring four goals against Real Madrid and Manchester United makes it a great week. But I cannot call it the best week of my career because it has not won us a trophy.

'I am realistic - United are still favourites to win the League. But I am more optimistic than before. If we win it in May, I will smile then!'

Short fall: Vidic brings down Gerrard and is sent off

Underdogs Liverpool went goal crazy at Old Trafford, despite falling behind to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. Fernando Torres equalised following a blunder by Nemanja Vidic and Gerrard put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

United were reduced to 10 men after 76 minutes when Vidic was sent off by referee Alan Wiley for pulling down Gerrard and Liverpool wrapped up a famous victory immediately with a free-kick by Fabio Aurelio, adding an injury-time strike from Andrea Dossena.

It was the first time United had been beaten at Old Trafford since Porstmouth's FA Cup win last April and their first home defeat by three goals since Chelsea beat them 3-0 in December 2001. It also represented Liverpool's biggest victory at their rivals since a 5-2 victory in 1936.

'It is hard to take,' admitted manager Sir Alex Ferguson. 'We didn't play badly but there were one or two mistakes which you don't want in big games.'

The United boss will expect a reaction at Fulham on Saturday, adding: 'When you lose a game, you have to rebound. That has always been the case for Manchester United. We would have taken being four points ahead at this stage even though our goal-difference advantage has been narrowed.'

Close-up: Gerrard kisses a camera after scoring from the spot

Gerrard, who is still looking for his first championship medal, says keeping Torres fit could be the key to the run-in.

'Torres is magic,' said Gerrard. 'I don't think anyone could argue with me that he is the best striker in the world.

'It has been frustrating not to have him for parts of the season with injury. In my opinion, we'd be ahead of United if he had been fit all the time.

'If we can keep him fit now, it could be an exciting finish to the season.'

It was not just Liverpool fans celebrating their victory yesterday. Chelsea can join Benitez's team on 61 points if they beat Manchester City today and may still fancy their chances of capitalising on United's shock defeat after a revival under Guus Hiddink.

Benitez, who was also able to celebrate his 100th win as Liverpool boss, added: 'Manchester United are still a fantastic team but other sides have a chance of beating them too if they stay compact and work hard.'

Grey day: Steven Gerrard (left) leads the celebrations

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho refused to comment when pressed yesterday on allegations he hit a fan after his side's Champions League elimination by United. 'I am not talking about it,' said the Portuguese coach, who hinted it was merely a publicity stunt. 'Mourinho sells a lot, you know it,' he added, a reference to his name always being in the headlines.

Police said on Thursday they were investigating allegations that Mourinho had committed 'a very minor assault'.

A United fan claimed he was punched in the face outside Old Trafford following Wednesday's match.

Mourinho reiterated his belief that Inter had been unlucky to be eliminated 2-0 on the night - and 2-0 on aggregate - saying his Porto side which beat United on their way to winning the Champions League in 2004 had played much worse at Old Trafford.

Mourinho added that the fact Ferguson had said his United side were slightly fortunate on the night supported his view.